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Perhaps we can just put this argument to bed by saying this is a kid who was ranked as the 3rd best player in Illinois by 24/7 (There are a few good players in Illinois), was offered by USC, Mich State, Virginia, Illinois, Ohio State, Marquette, etc., and who appears to be quite a good prospect...

I don't know if this has been posted before on Mitchell, but for what it's worth here is Bossi's opinion of Mitchell coming to the Gophers: https://247sports.com/college/oklahoma-state/LongFormArticle/College-Basketball-Transfer-Portal-13-under-the-radar-transfers--210379149/ MIKE MITCHELL JR...

Agreed, and one significant difference may be on the defensive side. While Henley got better defensively through the year, keeping people in front of them was a problem for our guards all year, in particular against some of the quicker guards we faced. We also may have two guys who can break...

I don't disagree with this at all, and I don't believe I was suggesting that it was the litmus test. Agreed that Payne may develop on his own-if he doesn't, that would tell you quite a bit.

Let's hope he can be an upgrade on on ball defense, and that he can get the ball up the court with some speed and create some things. This is a big signing, not because this guy is an all-world point guard, but because he adds depth to a backcourt that sorely needed it. And I like the idea of a...

To keep this thread on Payne, I'll agree with you on this- Payne's development will tell you a lot about this staff's coaching. And I'd be pretty shocked if Payne doesn't show he can hit a short jumper, drive to the hoop more often, improve his variety of moves underneath, and to better stay out...

Agreed. The fact that he shot 3.4 free throws a game isn't great, and neither are his turnover numbers, but to have some quickness to be able to get the ball up the court and break a press for some easier baskets would be refreshing after last year's slogging the ball up the court. We still need...

Agreed, this guy is intriguing, and if he were to sign we hope he can stay in front of people on defense. And shooting 46.6% on 116 3pt shots taken? That is impressive, I don't care what conference he's from. He'd be a good get at this stage..

He may surprise us, and we will find out. Aren't we due for something like that after all the crap that's happened?

I agree with that take as well. Getting Brown to handle the point (assuming he can) may work out with Mitchell and either Christie or Carrington. I still believe Christie is going to surprise some people. You don't get rated one of the top couple of players in Illinois without being really good...

Well, the proposal was a bit quixotic, but I strongly believe that you'll be able to come up with more accurate descriptions of the hole Johnson and Coyle have dug for MN basketball than I did. And it will probably be soon.

Fair point. And I don't need or want to get into a back and forth, that's been done. Perhaps I need to transform my thinking to believe that if things improve, all the people who were spitting on the hire will be quiet.

Actually, I wasn't assuming anything, I don't think they'll win 9 games. Hey Crappie, go ahead and give your opinions, but at least read what you're commenting on, could you? Nothing personal.

I don't disagree with anything you just said, although I'm not completely sure about the "Everyone wants to see him coach well and win games" part. It may be that they're just so frustrated that they say he never should have been hired and he stinks as a coach and should be gone now. I really...

If he won 9 and was named coach of the year it might be more accurate to say there may be people around here eating some crow, rather than just being upset. I think most people recognize that this team (especially assuming he can get at least one more quality guard) should have more talent and...

Got it, I didn't see it as a rip on him. I agree he has a really good stroke and you're right, his usage was low but he protected the ball reasonably well. I hope we're all pleasantly surprised if he shows he can play the wing. He's had plenty of time to work on his ball handling! And if he can...

That's quite a jump-how about 6-7 next year and 9-10 the next? Good enough for you? If he gets 9 next year he's coach of the year-that would probably upset a lot of people here.

I would agree that he wasn't adept as a ball handler but I've seen a lot worse-his turnover numbers weren't awful, and he also shot 38% from 3 as a Freshman. He certainly was pretty bad shooting-wise his Sophomore year, but he shoots about 79% on his free throws, he's got some touch, and he can...

In my estimation it wouldn't be good enough, and if it's at 4 wins-Johnson should be gone. But I agree that the talent and also the experience level should be much improved. And at the risk of being a "Ben apologist" I think we'll find out that Johnson seems like a lot better coach when he has...

Big Sky Defensive Player of the Year last year at Montana State, shot 40% from 3, almost 5 assists a game-I'm OK with that for this team.